So it has been… years since I have gotten back to my blog and sadly making new pieces of sculpture. I have been focusing on my professional life and working towards making that a sustainable lifestyle to pair with my Sculpture. I obviously have not made enough time for my personal art, becoming mired in making day to day ends a priority over my creative productivity.

Sadly or fortunately there has been a major change in my life that has allowed me to reimagine the use of my time and focus/dependence on a job for creative sustenance.

I am now reengaging the idea of making my art large and public, teaching myself “Rhino”, finding and applying to public art calls and simply enjoying making models and small art pieces again. The day is new and time has never been as salient a resource as it is now. I’m looking forward to getting back to what makes me happy and pouring myself into what really matters, creativity and sharing that through art (sculpture, cooking and experiencing the natural world).

Ever mixed and poured 5 pallets of concrete? Well it wasn’t on my bucket list but I have to say, I would do it again in a heart beat.

I was asked to participate on a large concrete pour this past Tuesday and jumped at the opportunity. Showing up and seeing the rebar forms open and ready for the wood molds struck me. Awe and a giddy temperament started to wash over me as I realized the full scale of this project. Several hours of mixing later we had the first form poured and molded up. Can’t wait to see the final form that this piece will take, stay tuned for updates.

After the Bonsai trees I was satiated. Spiritually and emotionally, how could I ask for anything more during my hiatus in the garden. As it would happen though, every corner is an opportunity for something new and exciting to set ones mind afire. I had forgotten my first love, the only plant that could stand my intermittent ability to water and care for it. Cactus!

These organisms inspire me on many levels. From their pure light and gravity defying form, to the simple existence of themselves despite all that surrounds them (the desert).

The Chicago Botanical Gardens this weekend has given me much to appreciate. A bonsai exhibit was on display with selections from their permanent collection. The exhibit organized and set up in an easy to navigate open air gallery. The concept of nurturing and caring after something that is detail-oriented and skillful is truly a feat and sight to behold. I feel a new invigoration in my work, life and art. I have attempted to take a few images for you of the stillness and presence in these microcosms of life. But they should be seen in person.

P.S. The pairing aspect of the Bonsai display has become a kernel of reflection for me. Subtle yet speaking volumes through simple placement.

It’s almost time for paint, and I have to get it right the first time.

Really, I have to stop putting myself in these situations, but when the project demands it, I can’t seem to let the small details go. With the phrase, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good”, ringing in my ears I will pick up the paint gun tomorrow and make this happen.

Getting here though has been no small feat. After grabbing the piece from Wisconsin and then redesigning the pedestal, fabrication the right way has taken longer that expected. Making sure the hardware was hidden is the most important aspect of my design in this addition. The results of my efforts have brought a great seamless lift to this form and no distraction from the art itself.

Now with days left I have found an industrial paint that I know will stand the test of time and keep the vibrant color that I want for this piece. Wish me luck.

Well, serendipitously the ice caves have opened. Just as I was in WI grabbing “Bird” for my Lincoln Park Zoo exhibition. There couldn’t have been a better timing on part of mother nature, as I desperately wanted to see them last year but just didn’t get the opportunity.

I really want to talk the ice caves up and say a myriad of praises in their honor, but honestly, the images speak for themselves. Enjoy.

Recently I have been accepted into a sculpture show at Lincoln Park Zoo. I am so excited for this opportunity. Only one problem, the sculpture I submitted and got accepted for is buried under 2′ of snow in Wisconsin.

Sounds like it’s time for a road trip. Follow me on a journey, that has me driving across a lake!

Rented my own Studio recently and I’m still in the process of setting it up, all good things in time they say. But recently one of my studio mates lent me his old TIG welder. The generousity of this community and my workplace are making me truly humble,, and inspiring me to find ways to do the same for others.

New art on the way soon. Yet, as stated earlier, all good things in time.

Putting these pedestals together has been quite a challenge so far but through my determination and fortitude I am persevering. With the elegant lines created by using 1/2″ x 1/2″ barstock, care has to be taken to making sure the welds penetrate and the seams still remain clean. Great work for my OCD temperament, but also a great opportunity to temper that desire and make speedy production a reality.

I couldn’t be happier, learning and making something clean and strong. This is only the beginning.

I have been thinking on this for a while and I believe it is time to go back to my “Elements” body of work and expand. In the same way that I have expanded the I-X series including the celestials and ethers, I will expand the “Elements” to include the same sections in its visual language. Theres a lot of work ahead but it will all start with drawings and models, so back to the drawing board. Bring on the cardboard and tape!